The NPA is a national network of professionals working predominantly in advocacy across the youth, migration and settlement sectors with a particular focus on young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
The purpose of the NPA is to strengthen our collective capacity to turn evidence and community insights into practical action. Part of that is building relationships and strengthening networks at the local, state and national level to drive collaboration and information sharing. Local chapters are convened by MYAN partners at the state and territory level.
If you’re interested in becoming part of the NPA, please reach out to your state or territory lead listed below. For those working at the national level, feel free to contact our national co-chairs. Your involvement can help us continue to build a more inclusive and informed community, and we look forward to collaborating with you!
National Policy Alliance Co-Chairs
Nayonika Bhattacharya
Nayonika is a dedicated lawyer and a proud migrant with a passion for creating positive change. She cares deeply about breaking down systemic barriers and helping people from diverse cultural and language backgrounds feel seen, heard, and supported. With a strong background in mental, social, and sexual health advocacy, as well as youth engagement and policy work, Nayonika brings both experience and heart to everything she does. She’s committed to helping communities find a balance between staying true to themselves and growing together. But on a more fun note, if you have any book recommendations – don’t hesitate to be responsible for the next unread book on her book pile.
Shannon White
Shannon is a human rights advocate with a passion for social justice, social equity and making traditional structures and institutions more inclusive for young people. As the National Policy and Advocacy Lead at MYAN Australia, she ensures that youth perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes and brings that commitment to the work of the National Policy Alliance. The power of community drives Shannon in all she does. She firmly believes in the power of collective action to create lasting change and is particularly passionate about the role that youth can play in transforming traditional decision-making spaces.
National NPA State & Territory Leads
| National | Shannon White & Nayonika Bhattacharya – npa@myan.org.au |
| VIC | Ashlea Henley – ahenley@cmy.net.au Edmee Kenny- ekenny@cmy.net.au |
| TAS | Jal David – jdavid@mrctas.org.au |
| NSW | Angela Dela Cruz – angela@myannsw.org.au |
| QLD | Kenny Duke – kduke@ssi.org.au |
| ACT | Zakia Patel – zakia@mhub.org.au |
| WA | YACWA – ceo@yacwa.org.au |
| NT | Erin Plumb – directorECS@melaleuca.org.au |
NPA Reports
By fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and turning evidence and community insight into action, the National Policy Alliance is dedicated to advancing impactful policy initiatives that address pressing societal challenges. Our comprehensive reports offer in-depth analyses and strategic recommendations on critical issues such as family violence, optimal settlement support,and racism and discrimination.
National Policy Alliance 2025 End of Year Snapshot
The NPA End of Year Snapshot highlights the collective achievements the Alliance has made across 2025. From advocating for policy changes that champion equity and accessibility to implementing initiatives and partnerships that strengthen community and sector development, the impact of our work is evident and inspiring.
We are pleased to share with you an end of year snapshot that highlights the key work and accomplishments of the NPA over the past year. As we move into 2026, we remain committed to building on this momentum and continuing our mission to advocate for policies and initiatives that foster a fair, inclusive, and prosperous society for all multicultural young people.